Sveum: Nothing wrong up top

May 21, 2012|By Phil Rogers

David DeJesus is batting leadoff for the Cubs on Monday night in Houston. (Jose M. Osorio/Tribune photo)

HOUSTON -- When Dale Sveum said he would consider changing the top of his order, he pointed out the problem was that the team wasn't scoring runs, not that anyone in particular was at fault. He studied the situation so long on the way from Chicago on Sunday night that he talked himself out of making any changes, he said Monday.

Sveum said he's sticking with David DeJesus, Tony Campana and Starlin Castro as his 1-2-3 combination against right-handed starters on this trip to Houston and Pittsburgh, then will reevaluate. "Gonna give it another week,'' he said.

DeJesus' .357 on-base percentage in the leadoff spot ranks 7th among the 15 big-leaguers who regularly hit No. 1 and have enough plate appearances to qualify for a batting title, and Sveum said he has been the Cubs' most consistent hitter. Campana, who started the season at Iowa, is hitting .309 with a .356 on-base percentage and 10 stolen bases since replacing Marlon Byrd.

Castro is hitting .313 with 25 RBIs but has only two home runs in 166 at-bats. "That (projects) to eight home runs but it's 100 RBIs,'' Sveum said. "He's hitting (.353) with runners in scoring position.''

Sveum said the Cubs just have not had their share of big hits.

"Scoring position, bases loaded, getting those hits,'' he said. "Getting a double with guys on first and second to drive in two. Those are the thing we're lacking. We need to take advantage of a chance to put game away, putting big numbers on the board.''

Sveum said catcher Welington Castillo is feeling better but still a few days away because of his sprained right knee. He said right-hander Blake Parker (hamstring) was also unavailable for the opener of the three-game series.

The Cubs are carrying three catchers, with Blake Lalli backing up the recently reacquired Koyie Hill while they wait for Castillo to mend. Steve Clevenger (beginning a rehab assignment at Triple-A Iowa on Monday) and Geovany Soto are on the DL.